Retaining and release assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for releasing an elongated body which has an annular recess near one end thereof including a piston means wherein one end of the piston means has a cavity for receiving the elongated body and its recess. The piston means has a plurality of openings into the cavity and a plurality of reciprocable elements are provided which are slidably disposed within the openings for retaining the body when the elements are depressed into the recess and for releasing the body when moved away from the recess. Cylinder means are disposed about the piston means and slidable between first and second positions relative to the piston means for retaining the elements depressed in the body recess when the cylinder means is in the first position and freeing the elements from the body recess when the cylinder means is in a second position. Spring means biases the cylinder means to the first position and a means is provided for applying a fluid pressure to the cylinder means for moving the cylinder means from the first position to the second position. With such an arrangement an applicaiton of fluid pressure to the cylinder means causes the elongated body to be released.

United States Patent [191 Moore RETAINING AND RELEASE ASSEMBLY lnventor: Daniel M. Moore, Glendora, Calif.-

Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC.

Filed: Oct. 17, 1972 Appl. No.: 298,318

[52] US. Cl 24/230 AN, 24/211 L, 294/83 AA,

' 114/238 [51] Int. Cl. A44b 11/25, A44b 17/00 [58] Field of Search... 114/238, 235 A; 294/83 AB, 294/83 AA, 83 AF, 83 R; 285/277; 24/211 Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gelak Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard S. Sciascia; Ervin F. Johnston it a.\\\ e d [11]. 3,825,980 1 1 July 30, 1974 '[5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus for releasing an elongated body which has an annularrecess near one end thereof including a piston means wherein one end of the piston means has a cavity for receiving the elongated body and its recess. The piston means has a plurality of openings into the cavity and a plurality of reciprocable elements are provided which are slidably disposed within the openings for retaining the body when the elements are depressed into the recess and for releasing the body when moved away from the recess. Cylinder means I are disposed about the piston means and slidable between first and second positions relative tothe piston means for retaining the elements depressed in the body recess when the'cylinder means is in the first position and freeing the elements from the body recess when the cylinder means is in a second position. Spring means biasesthe cylinder means to the first position and a means is provided for applying a fluid 8 Claims, 3 DrawingFigures i ir RETAINING AND RELEASE ASSEMBLY STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for retaining and releasing a body which has an annular recess near one end thereof.

The US. Navy has a continuous program for upgrading the reliability and performance of torpedoes. One phase of this program is concerned with the hardware for launching torpedoes. There has been a need for a simple retaining and release apparatus which is reversible in its operation and is selectively actuable between its retaining and release modes. In some instances, a torpedo should be released for a possible firing, however, upon a change of conditions it may be desired to bring the torpedo back into a retained position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus for obtaining the reversible operation between the retaining and release modes simply by the application and release of fluid pressure. The present invention is configured to operate with a torpedo or any other elongated body which has an annular recess or similar depression near one end. The invention may include piston means, one end of which has a cavity for receiving the stern end of the torpedo and its recess. The piston means has aplurality of openings into its cavity, and a plurality of reciprocable elements are slidably disposed within the openings for retaining the body when the elements are depressed into the recess and for releasing the body when moved away from the recess. Cylinder means are disposed about the piston means and slidable between first and second positions relative to the piston means for retaining the elements depressed in the torpedo recess when the cylinder means is in a first position and freeing the elements from the torpedo-recess when the cylinder means is in the second position. Spring means are provided for biasing the cylinder means to the first position, and means are provided for applying a fluid pressurevto the cylinder means for moving the cylinder means from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, when the fluid pressure is applied to the cylinder means the cylinder means moves to free the reciprocable elements which in turn releases the torpedo. If the torpedo is not fired and the fluid pressure is terminated, the cylinder means moves back to its first position and the reciprocable elements are depressed once again into the torpedo recess so as to retain the torpedo in position. If the torpedo is fired the device is simply operated in its two modes to first receive and then retain the torpedo. The invention will also perform a similar function when utilized with other hardware which requires retention and release, whether the hardware is used in air or in water.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for retaining and releasing an object which has a depression near one end thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of the present invention retaining a torpedo.

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 except the present invention is in a release mode.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 except the torpedo is departing from the release device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 2 Referring now to the drawing there is shown in FIG. 1 an apparatus 10 for retaining and releasing an elongated body, such' as a torpedo 12, which has depression, such as an annular recess 14, near one end thereof. The portion 12 of the torpedo may be integral therewith or may be an attachmentwhich is mounted to the stern end by any suitable means, such as a threaded engagement. The apparatus includes a piston means 16, one end of which is provided with a cavity 18 for receiving the stem end of the torpedo and its recess 14. The piston means 16 has a plurality of openings' 20 into the cavity 18. A plurality of reciprocable elements, such as pins 22, are slidably disposed within the openings 20 for retaining the torpedo when the pins 22 are depressed into the recess 14 and for releasing the torpedo when the pins are moved away from the recess.

Cylinder means 24 are disposed about the piston means 16 and are slidable between first and second positions relative to the piston means for retaining the pins 22 depressed into the torpedo recess 14 when the cylinder means is in a first position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and freeing the pins from the recess when the cylinder means is in a second position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Support means may be provided as illustrated at 26 in FIG. 1, Spring means, such as spring clips 28, are provided for biasing the cylinder means 24 to the first position, illustrated in FIG. 1. The spring clips 28 may be curved in shape so as to be easily grasped by an operators finger and may be recessed in both the support means 26 and the reciprocable cylinder means 24. With such an arrangement the biasing force on the cylinder means can be easily changed by inserting spring clips of varying strengths.

In order to move the cylinder means 24 from the first position to the second position, means may be provided for applying a fluid pressure to the cylinder means. The fluid pressure applying means may include the support means 26 having a fitting 30 which has a bore 32. The cylinder means 24 may have a reduced diameter portion 34 which is slidably and sealably disposed by an O ring 36 in the bore 32. The support means 26 may include a support plate 38, and the piston means 16 may have a reduced diameter portion which extends through the fitting 30 and the support plate 38 and may be fixed thereto by a nut and washer combination 42. The larger diameter portion of the piston means 16 may be sealed to the smaller diameter portion 34 of the cylinder means by an O ring 44, and the smaller diameter portion 40 of the piston means may be sealed to the fitting 30 by an O ring 46. The larger diameter portion of the piston means 16 and the bottom of the bore of the fitting 30 may be provided with annular depressions 48 and 50 respectively for receiving fluid pressure. Fluid pressure may be applied to the end of the smaller diameter portion 34 of the cylinder means at the bottom of the bore of the fitting 30 by a passageway 52 which extends first axially along the piston means 16 thence radially to the annular depressions 48 and 50. The end of the piston means 16 may be provided with internal threads 54 for receiving a fitting from a fluid pressure source (not shown). The fluid pressure source may be a pressurized bottle or an explosive squib which is threaded into place. It should be noted that this arrangement enables fluid pressure to repeatedly activate the device between the retention and release modes without any escape of the activating fluid.

In many of the Navy torpedoes the stern portion rotates as a unit and is integral with the propellers thereof. As shown in FIG. 1 the stern portion of the torpedo 12 or an attachment thereto, may rotate upon its actuation. In order to prevent damage to this portion of the torpedo a ring 56 of slippery material, such as Teflon, may be inserted in the recess 18 in engagement with the stern end of the torpedo. The pins 22 may extend therethrough. Accordingly, when the apparatus is actuated to the release mode, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the torpedo is fired, thus causing rotation of the stern end thereof, there will be no damage to the torpedo portion rotating within the cavity 18.

Upon departure of the torpedo from the apparatus 10 it is desirable that the pins 22 be configured for addi- It should be noted that there is only one primary part in the present invention, namely the cylinder means 24 which operates between two positions. The biasing force which biases the cylinder means to the retaining mode can be easily changed by inserting spring clips28 of different spring strengths. These clips can be easily removed by an operators fingers which grasps and pulls the clip from the apparatus. After placing the apparatus in a release mode, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an operator may, if he desires, reverse the operation and bring the apparatus back to a retaining mode by simply terminating fluid pressure through passageway 52.

It is now readily apparent that the present invention provides a unique and highly reliable device for retaining and releasing torpedoes. The invention is also suitable for retaining and releasing other objects, such as tional torpedo launchings. This has been accomplished by providing the pins 22 with rounded heads 58 which are of a larger size than the openings in the piston means 16. Accordingly, after departure of the torpedo, the pins will fall back into a position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, it is desirable that the bottoms of the pins 22 be rounded so that when the apparatus 10 is in the release mode, as illustrated in FIG. 2, another torpedo may be easily inserted into the cavity 18 and retained by simply actuating the apparatus to the retaining mode, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Smooth reciprocable operation of the pins 58 is desired and may be obtained by configuring the cylinder means 24 with an internal annular projection 60 which is followed by an internal annular recess 62. The annular projection 60 and the annular recess 62 are both rounded so that the rounded heads 58 of the pins will make a smooth transition from a depressed condition as illustrated in FIG. 1 to a free position, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION In the operation of the invention the torpedo 12 is retained within the apparatus 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. When it is desired to release the torpedo fluid pressure is applied through the passageway 52 which causes the cylinder means 24 to move to a release mode, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The pins 22 are then free to move into the annular recess 62 within the cylinder means 24 which will occur upon the departure of the torpedo 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

mines, countermeasure devices, capsules, oceanographic equipment, and targets. The invention can be used in air or in water.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for retaining and releasing a body which has an annular recess near one end thereof comprising:

piston means; one end of the piston means having a cavity for receiving said one end of the body and its recess;

the piston means having a plurality of openings into said cavity;

a plurality of reciprocable elements slidably disposed within said openings for retaining the body when the elements are depressed into said recess and for releasing the body when moved away from said recess;

cylinder means disposed about said piston means and slidable between first and second positions relative to the piston means for retaining the elements depressed in the body recess when the cylinder means is in the first position and freeing the elements from the body recess when the cylinder means is in the second position; i

support means having a bore;

an exterior portion of the cylinder means being slidably and sealably disposed in said bore;

spring means biasing the cylinder means to said first position; and means for applying a fluid pressure to the cylinder means which includes a passageway in the piston which extends from the outer end of the piston to the bottom of said bore for moving the cylinder means from said first position to said second position;

whereby upon application of said fluid pressure the body is released.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including:

support means; f 7

said spring means being semi-arcuate c shaped spring clips which are recessed in both the support means and the reciprocable cylinder means.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including:

said cylinder means having an interior annular recess for receiving the reciprocable elements when the cylinder means is in the second position.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including:

said reciprocable elements being pins which have rounded heads outside of the piston means.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 including:

said spring means being semi-arcuate c shaped spring clips which arerecessed in both the support means and the reciprocable cylinder means.

6. An apparatus for retaining and releasing a torpedo of the type having an annular recess near its tail end comprising:

stationary piston means having large and small exterior diameter portions;

the large diameter portion of the piston means having a central cavity for receiving the tail end of the torpedo including said recess; pins slidably extending radially through the large diameter portion of the piston means into said cavity and adapted to engage the torpedo within said recess so as to retain the tail end of the torpedo within said recess;

cylinder means slidably mounted about the large diameter portion of the piston means and adapted at a forward portion to engage said pins and depress them in engagement with the torpedo within said recess;

said cylinder means having an interior annular recess rearwardly of its forward end for allowing the pins to retract and free the torpedo;

said cylinder means having a rear exterior portion with a reduced exterior diameter; I

a stationary fitting sealably mounted about the reduced diameter portion of the piston means and slidably mounted about the reduced diameter portion of the cylinder means;

said piston means having a passageway adapted to communicate a pressure source with the rear end of the cylinder; and

semi-arcuate spring clips releasably recessed within the cylinder and the fitting,

whereby, upon applying pressure through the piston means passageway, the cylinder moves forward against the spring force of the clips to allow the pins to move into the annular recess of the cylinder means to release the torpedo.

7'. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including:

an elastomeric band mounted in said central cavity.

outside of the piston means. 

1. An apparatus for retaining and releasing a body which has an annular recess near one end thereof comprising: piston means; one end of the piston means having a cavity for receiving said one end of the body and its recess; the piston means having a plurality of openings into said cavity; a plurality of reciprocable elements slidably disposed within said openings for retaining the body when the elements are depressed into said recess and for releasing the body when moved away from said recess; cylinder means disposed about said piston means and slidable between first and second positions relative to the piston means for retaining the elements depressed in the body recess when the cylinder means is in the first position and freeing the elements from the body recess when the cylinder means is in the second position; support means having a bore; an exterior portion of the cylinder means being slidably and sealably disposed in said bore; spring means biasing the cylinder means to said first position; and means for applying a fluid pressure to the cylinder means which includes a passageway in the piston which extends from the outer end of the piston to the bottom of said bore for moving the cylinder means from said first position to said second position; whereby upon application of said fluid pressure the body is released.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: support means; said spring means being semi-arcuate c shaped spring clips which are recessed in both the support means and the reciprocable cylinder means.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: said cylinder means having an interior annular recess for receiving the reciprocable elements when the cylinder means is in the second position.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including: said reciprocable elements being pins which have rounded heads outside of the piston means.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 including: said spring means being semi-arcuate c shaped spring clips which are recessed in both the support means and the reciprocable cylinder means.
 6. An apparatus for retaining and releasing a torpedo of the type having an annular recess near its tail end comprising: stationary piston means having large and small exterior diameter portions; the large diameter portion of the piston means having a central cavity for receiving the tail end of the torpedo including said recess; pins slidably extending radially through the large diameter portion of the piston means into said cavity and adapted to engage the torpedo within said recess so as to retain the tail end of the torpedo within said recess; cylinder means slidably mounted about the large diameter portion of the piston means and adapted at a forward portion to engage said pins and depress them in engagement with the torpedo within said recess; said cylinder means having an interior annular recess rearwardly of its forward end for allowing the pins to retract and free the torpedo; said cylinder means having a rear exterior portion with a reduced exterior diAmeter; a stationary fitting sealably mounted about the reduced diameter portion of the piston means and slidably mounted about the reduced diameter portion of the cylinder means; said piston means having a passageway adapted to communicate a pressure source with the rear end of the cylinder; and semi-arcuate spring clips releasably recessed within the cylinder and the fitting, whereby, upon applying pressure through the piston means passageway, the cylinder moves forward against the spring force of the clips to allow the pins to move into the annular recess of the cylinder means to release the torpedo.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 including: an elastomeric band mounted in said central cavity.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including: said pins having rounded heads which are located outside of the piston means. 